NATO is creating the largest base in Europe in Romania: it will host 20 thousand soldiers

The 'Mihail Kogalniceanu' air base in Romania could become NATO's largest strategic base in Europe, hosting significantly more military personnel than initially planned. According to information from the Romanian TV channel Digi24, the base could accommodate up to 20 thousand soldiers instead of the originally planned 10 thousand.

In addition to the main contingent of 10 thousand troops, the base will be able to temporarily host another 10 thousand soldiers in the event of escalating tensions with Russia or threats to NATO countries. The base will become one of the largest support centers for Ukraine and will have storage facilities for military assistance, including missiles, ammunition, and armored vehicles.

The modernization of the 'Mihail Kogalniceanu' base will cost 2.5 billion euros, making it one of the most expensive projects of the Romanian army. Romania plans to receive 400 million euros from European Commission funds for the implementation of this project.

Strategic Location and Future Plans

If everything goes as planned, by 2040 the 'Mihail Kogalniceanu' base will become the largest airbase in Europe, surpassing the German 'Ramstein' base in size. Recently, three F-16 fighter jets arrived at this base, emphasizing the strategic significance of the site for the defense of NATO's eastern flank.

Located in a strategically important region near the Black Sea and the borders with Ukraine, the airbase has become a key element in the alliance's security architecture amid Russian aggression.

As a result of cooperation with NATO, the Romanian 'Mihail Kogalniceanu' air base may become the largest in Europe and prepare to accommodate a greater number of military personnel, thus strengthening the strategic defensive potential in this region.